22.05.17
Neighbourhood planning handbook launched for councillors
A handbook to help councillors plan their neighbourhoods has been launched by a key local government organisation.
The publication, called ‘The Good Councillor’s Guide to Neighbourhood Planning’ has been released by the National Association of Local Councils in Association with Locality, a network of community led organisations, to help councillors with planning in their communities.
Since 2011, neighbourhood planning has been a right for communities through the passing of the Localism Act 2011.
The act gave councils the power to shape development in their local areas by producing neighbourhood development plans, alongside other measures that are detailed in the guide.
“Given these rights have a huge bearing on how a council engages with its community to undertake the process it is vital that local councillors understand the key principles of neighbourhood planning in order to support their communities appropriately,” said Cllr Sue Baxter, chairman of NALC.
“For these reasons, Locality and NALC have worked together to produce this guide in order local councillors are equipped with the basic information to get them started.
“However, it does not stop here. There will be a need for councillors to find out more as the process unfolds.”
Local councils can access print copies of ‘The Good Councillor's Guide to Neighbourhood Planning’ by contacting their local county association. Alternatively, the guide can be accessed online by councillors using their login details for their NALC account.
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